Mission Service Organisation Retreat

17– 21 March, 2025
Lakeland Park, Queenstown

Our organisations exist to support local Churches, made up of God's people, as they share God's message and God grows his Church.

Are there practical ways we can support and encourage each other in this work?

Let’s gather to pray, reflect, train, and collaborate as we seek to serve God and his people together.

Nau mai, haere mai ki 
Tāhuna Aotearoa!

Welcome to Queenstown
New Zealand!

We're excited to invite you to our beautiful Queenstown. Nestled in the stunning Southern Alps, Queenstown is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.

We'll be hosted at Lakeland Park, Christian Camp, on Kelvin Heights. This sunny spot has views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. And for fans of Middle Earth, is close to many filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.

Schedule

Monday - Welcome

2.00 pm  - Arrive

6.00 pm - Dinner

7.00 pm - Sharing New Developments (GC3)
All MSOs are dreaming and exploring ways we can increase our impact. 
This is a chance to share new developments in your MSO.

9.00 pm - Supper

Tuesday - Engaging in Mission

8.00 am - Breakfast

9.00 am - Biblical Reflection (Mark, GC3)

10.00 am - Session 1, Approaches to Member/Worker Care (MSC)
How are we supporting the care of our mission partners?
What is best practice? Can we support each other in member care?
  

12.30 pm - Lunch

1.30 pm - Session 2, Mobilising for Mission (Echoes)
Is God still calling people into cross-cultural missions?
How are we mobilising our churches and our people in missions?
 

6.00 pm - Dinner

9.00 pm - Supper

Wednesday - Working Together

8.00 am - Breakfast

9.00 am - Biblical Reflection (Randy, MSC)

10.00 am - Session 3, Doing Aid & Disasters Together (AMT)
Disasters and aid relief provide an opportunity for MSOs to work together.
Are there ways that we can facilitate this and maximise our impact    

12.30 pm - Lunch

1.30 pm - Session 4, Going Digital (Echoes)
We all use digital technology! Can we use technology better? Could we develop a digital app together? 
Can we share resources to work together to tell our stories in our magazines and online?

6.00 pm - Dinner

9.00 pm - Supper

Thursday - Emerging Opportunities 

8.00 am - Breakfast

9.00 am - Biblical Reflection (Jim, Echoes)

10.00 am - Session 5,  Supporting National Workers (AMT)
It is easier than ever to connect with Christian workers around the world. 
How can we support national workers to train, equip and support them in their work? 
 

12.30 pm - Lunch

1.30 pm - Session 6, Emerging Sending Fields (CMML)
The focus of missions continues to shift from the West to other parts of the world. 
How can we support emerging MSOs in South America, Asia and Africa? 

6.00 pm - Dinner

9.00 pm - Supper

Friday - Farewell

8.00 am - Breakfast

9.00 am - Biblical Reflection (Walter, AMT)

10.30 am - Farewells
Depart by 12.00 pm

Register

Contact us

If you have any questions and would like to chat, please get in touch with us

Travelling to New Zealand

Most visitors don't require a visa to enter New Zealand, but you will likely require an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Check what you need at immigration.govt.nz.

Top tips from the locals

We think Aotearoa New Zealand is a beautiful place and we hope you get to see a few of our favourite spots while you're in our part of the world.

We've asked our team to share their favourite things for you to see and do while you're in our neck of the woods. 

This is my favourite place in all of New Zealand. It's just stunning! It's few hours from Queenstown, but scenic drive alone is worth it! If you're not a confident driver, there are lots of bus tours you could join.

Keep an eye out for the cheeky kea parrot when you stop to admire the views on the way. They're known for their fondness of dismantling cars!

Recommended by Katrina

Drive a few hours out of Auckland and visit Ōhope Beach (voted NZ's favourite beach (and mine)). It's in the Bay of Plenty and is close to many other beautiful holiday spots. Ōhope Beach is a laid-back kiwi beach town with a great holiday vibe. I love its beautiful pristine white sand, lined with pōhutukawa trees.

Recommended by Heather

Located on our North Island's rugged west coast, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its dramatic black sand, powerful surf, and iconic Lion Rock, Piha offers a stunning landscape. Whether you're into surfing the famous waves, hiking scenic trails, enjoying a peaceful sunset, or just strolling the beach, Piha has something for everyone.

It is only a 60 minutes drive from central Auckland. Once you leave the city, you wind your way through the lush greenery of the Waitakere ranges, this wild and beautiful beach is the ideal getaway for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and breathtaking natural beauty. And as Auckland is my hometown, I would love to take you to visit if we can make it work!!

Recommended by Michael

One of (many) favourite places in NZ is Castlepoint. It is on the rugged southeast coast of the North Island. Went there a couple of years ago with friends. A second visit. 

Another would be the Heaphy Track in upper west South Island. I have walked it five times over the years. Wendy came once, and our two daughters came another time. 

Recommended by John

In Hanmer Springs,
    where the rivers flow,
Beneath the peaks,
    where the wildflowers grow,
Warm waters beckon,
    a soothing embrace,
Nature’s own spa,
    a tranquil place.

With trails to wander
    and skies so blue,
Adventure awaits
    in each morning’s hue.
From mountain bike paths
    to the hot spring’s glow,
Discover the magic
    where the cool breezes blow.

So come, weary traveler,
    let your spirit roam,
In Hanmer Springs, you’ll find a home.
With laughter and peace
    in this alpine retreat,
A memory cherished,
    a journey complete.

Recommended by Jon 

We promise we're not being paid by Tourism New Zealand! We just think our little part of God's creation is pretty great.